June 21 – July 22
Constellation
From celestial longitude 90-120 degrees lies the Constellation Cancer. The image of Cancer is a Crustacean. You can find Cancer being symbolized as a crayfish or lobster (as you can see in the image above). However, it is most commonly represented as a Crab. In ancient Greek mythology, the Crab is named Karkinos. In the tale, Hera (Zeus’s wife) was trying to kill and destroy the home of the legendary Greek hero Hercules (also known as Heracles). Thus, she sent Hydra, who was a large, fire-breathing monster with many serpent heads. When Hercules would cut off one of the heads, it would grow two more from its beheaded neck. Hercules was winning the battle and Hera decided to send a giant Crab to distract him, giving Hydra an opportunity. The Crab bit or pinched Hercules on the foot, who in turn crushed the crustacean with his foot. Hercules was then able to defeat Hydra, too. Hera, who was upset at the death of her creatures, placed Hydra in its own Constellation and turned the Crab into the Constellation Cancer.
Element
Cancer has the element of Water. Water is special in that it’s constantly moving; such as small ripples in a lake, flowing in a river, and falling down a waterfall. This movement also flows within all of us and holds the secret to our Soul. Water represents a cycle: conception/beginning and its corresponding death/end. This Element is vital to our livelihood and carries our emotions. Water Signs are natural in acknowledging and validating emotions and feelings. Water Signs are well equipped to accept both positive (such as love and happiness) and negative emotions (such as sadness and anger). Water Signs tend to be considered too emotional, extra sensitive, or have a thin skin. On the contrary, their sensitivity and being in tuned to their emotions is their strength. They are perfect for helping others with deep inner emotional struggles such as being natural therapists and compassionate coaches/advisors. There is no such thing as being too emotional. Water Signs teach all of us that our feelings are our greatest quality, and that true love is boundless.
All that being said, Zodiac Signs with an accented Water Element need to learn that while their emotional nature carries great opportunities and possibilities, it can also hinder them and block you from fully expressing themselves creatively. Water Signs tend to struggle finding a direction since they see the endless possibilities. This is where a Fire Sign may be helpful. A friend that is a Fire Sign can provide the Water Sign the fiery energy that gives them direction and passion towards their goals, which is where their creativity and talents can be discovered and utilized. Otherwise, if alone, Water Signs can be set adrift, being dreamy and imaginative internally but being swayed in different directions.
Quality
There are 3 different Qualities of Expression (also known as Modes or Modalities): Cardinal, Fixed, and Mutable. Cancer is the Water Sign among the Cardinal Quality Zodiac Signs, which represents the beginning of a new season. Cancer’s Cardinal Quality is the announcement for the arrival of Summer, which begins the time of warm inspiration and creation. Since Cardinal Signs kick off the beginning of a new season, these Zodiac tend to be leaders with ideas and ambition. Cardinal Signs are oftentimes unafraid to start new cycles or new periods in life, whether that’s in their personal or professional life. However, while they get inspired and have the drive to start things, they may become burnt out or lack the energy to follow through their long-term goals to the very end.
A person with Cardinal Signs in their chart indicates someone who tends to be “go, go, go” and don’t always take the rest they need to keep going. Cancer, as the Cardinal Water Sign, is driven to care for and nurture others. This Zodiac Sign represents one’s emotional well-being and their soul, and is reflected in their caring and endurable actions. While many may think this Crab is extremely emotional, they have a drive that can’t be compared to others when they use their artistic vibes and emotions to inspire and create. They won’t stop hustling and will keep things flowing forward, like ocean waves. However, as ocean tides sometimes recede, if a Cancer no longer as the emotional drive to continue their goals, they will start to slow down and eventually stop altogether for something different.
Planet
The Moon rules over Cancer. Yes, yes, yes, the Moon is not a Planet, but rather Earth’s only natural satellite. (Fun Fact! It is the largest natural satellite relative to the size of its major planet in the Solar System!) In Astrology, you will oftentimes see the Moon and the Sun (and even some asteroids or other celestial bodies) used under the generic umbrella term of “Planet” for simplicity’s sake. So please hang in there. When you think of the Moon, you probably think of its image in your mind. It’s the closest thing to Earth that we can see with our naked eye. You can think of the Moon as something closely connected to us. In fact, it represents what is most personal to us out of all the other celestial bodies in our charts. In Eastern Astrology, the Moon is considered the most important as it reflects our Soul and our emotional, inner personality. The Moon shines bright at night because it is reflecting the Sun’s light. So you can view the Moon as a reflection or a mirror to our deepest selves and personal world. The Moon also represents many other things. It can show peaceful understanding and support from family or others. It can reflect our subconscious world that includes our heart, love, and emotions. It represents our mother or mother-like figure along with the sense of home or belonging. To go even further, it represents fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood. It holds all of our memories, including our home life as we were growing up (whether it was good or bad). The Moon is the most intimate part of our chart. It can be imbalanced like any other celestial body. But by being open minded and opening our hearts, we can do our best to bring it back in to balance. This ability is natural within all of us.
House
Cancer governs the 4th House. This House reflects one’s home life and foundations. It relates to ancestry, traditions, lineage, and family. It has us reflect on our home that we grew up in and the home we wish to have. With a home comes the notions of our sense of security and privacy. This sector also indicates the energy found in your family connections, your parents, and children. It asks you to reflect on your mother or mother-figure plus your own mothering characteristics or tendencies, such as being caring, loving, and nurturing. A celebrity example could be American socialite/businesswoman and media personality Kim Kardashian. Her livelihood has deep roots to her family, such as her wealthy celebrity parents, her famous sisters and brother. She has the Moon (of inner, emotional personality) in her 4th House. Her emotional needs and inner personality are directly tied to her 4th House, one of family and home life.
Personality
Some consider Cancer to be one of the most difficult Zodiac Signs with whom to build connection. They tend to be sentimental, sensitive, emotional, and deeply intuitive. They care deeply about things involving their home, family, or other loved ones. These Crabs are very sympathetic/empathetic, loyal, and are attached to those they hold dear. A person under Cancer follows their heart and emotions. They have deep internal mysteries and can express emotional patterns that can seem chaotic and, as a result, a Cancer may struggle fitting into the world surrounding them. A Cancer child should be approached with understanding, patience, and care, since they might not have enough coping mechanisms for their external surroundings. The child will give you the same understanding, patience, and care in return. Otherwise, the child could develop intense mood swings, selfishness, manipulative tendencies, or a mindset of self-victimization as an adult. But it is important to remember that by nature a Cancer instinctively assists others in need and avoids conflict if possible. These Crabs will surround themselves with a harmonious household with a caring family when they are at peace, content, and happy with their life choices and path. It’s important to keep in mind, especially if you or a loved one falls under the Cancer Zodiac Sign, that their emotions can get out of control easier than other Signs and lead them to make rash or unhealthy choices. For example, extreme patriotism can lead them to endanger themselves or others since they’d be driven to defend something they believe in and take big risks against someone bigger/stronger than them. As you can see, the Crab can go in the wrong direction even if they are sure they are right. However, they are capable of finding the right path by learning to rely on only themselves and taking their lessons from experience to heart.
Compatibility
A Crab needs a deep emotional intimacy, mutual compassion at a high degree, and be able to exchange emotions and feelings with sensitivity. Men in the Cancer Zodiac are strong protectors with a devout desire to protect all he cares about in his life. They are extremely loyal to loved ones and commitments. They fully trust those they love and have a caring, loving, emotional side to them. A man in Cancer is quite nurturing and will many times make you feel spoiled, pampered, coddled, and, ultimately, loved.
No matter the gender, Cancers want that along with a secure, more traditional home and family life. This may conflict with Air Signs, Aquarius, Gemini, and Libra. Air Signs tend to be a bit more outgoing than Cancer. For example, an Aquarius is more on the edgy side and want their relationships to reflect that personality. A Water-Bearer is more nontraditional, focusing on the future with objectivity, and can come across as unsentimental. A Cancer is wanting a more traditional family life. They live off tenderness, sentimentalism, and emotions. As a result, the Crab may have trouble connecting with Air Signs due to their opposing characteristics.
Another Element of Zodiac Signs that may conflict with Cancer are Fire Signs, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius. They enjoy freedom. They may not crave such a secure home and family life like a Cancer. They can also by nature struggle with subtle emotional nuances of exchanging sensitive, personal information.
Crabs tend to have better luck building connections with Earth Signs, Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Earth Signs can balance Water Signs, such as bringing practicality and stability to what can be emotional and unsteady relationship characteristics. Cancers can help Virgos build trust while Virgos can provide the patience needed for Cancers. If an Earth Sign and a Cancer can find the right balance, then the relationship has the potential to be a great one. As one can imagine, Cancers do well with other Water Signs: Scorpio and Pisces. After all, who better to understand the depths of intense emotion?
When it comes to love, trust is one of the most important things to Water Signs. Stereotypically, Water Signs can understand a Crab without any words being spoken. It’s possible for them to finish each other’s sentences and share a depth of sympathy, empathy, and understanding that is admirable. Communication will come easier between a Cancer and another Water Sign than with the other Zodiac Signs. As I mentioned briefly before, Cancer can be described as one of the most difficult Signs to understand and build a bond. However, once you get there and a Crab feels secure in your relationship (whether that’s as a friend, partner, colleague, etc.), they will show you just how they are so loyal, compassionate, creative, and tenacious.
Cancer is such a wonderful Zodiac Sign, huh? There’s so much to learn and there was so much information we already covered! Below is a quick reference chart for you to reflect on and possibly go back to if you need a refresher at any time:
*sigh* Well, I think that’s all I have for now with this Zodiac Sign. Are you or someone you know a Cancer Zodiac Sign? What are your thoughts? Let me know if there are similarities and differences that caught your eye. I enjoy hearing your feedback on the topic! As the usual reminder, it’s completely normal if someone does not match their Zodiac Sign personality perfectly. There are many potential reasons why someone may act different than just their Sun Sign, such as that person’s Moon Sign, Rising Sun Sign, their upbringing, and environment, and more. I’ve enjoyed my discovery into Cancer and I hope you had fun, too! I’m already excited for the future Zodiac Signs that await us!
“There are three ways to success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”
– Mister Rogers
- Image Captions (in order of appearance):
- Cancer. Image courtesy of Shutterstock user Natalia Mikhalchuk; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc.
- Shallow Focus Photography of Water Splash. Image courtesy of Pexels user Sourav Mishra; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Pexels GmbH.
- Moon. Image courtesy of Unsplash user Mike Petrucci; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Unsplash Inc.
- Neon heart sign isolated on brick wall background. Image courtesy of Shutterstock user Omnart; not for commercial use. Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc.
- References (in alphabetical order)
- Van de Car, Nikki. Practical Magic: A Beginner’s Guide to Crystals, Horoscopes, Psychics, and Spells. Running Press, 2017.
- Woolfolk, J. M. (2013). The only astrology book you’ll ever need (Twenty-First-Century Edition). Taylor Trade Publishing.